Schakowsky Calls for Humanitarian Pause to Facilitate Aid to Gaza and Release of Hostages

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) released the following statement calling for a humanitarian pause to facilitate aid to Gaza and the release of hostages:

“It has been 19 days since Hamas’ horrifying terrorist attack on Israel, in which more than 1,400 Israelis were killed and over 5,400 injured. Hamas also captured over 200 hostages, including several Americans. Israel has a right to defend itself and its citizens in accordance with international law. It is justified in executing a military operation to bring the perpetrators of Hamas' terrorist attack to justice.

“Now, Gaza is in the midst of an unprecedented humanitarian disaster with conditions worsening by the hour. Reports estimate over 5,500 Palestinians have died in Gaza and tens of thousands more wounded. Since the beginning of the war, 74 aid trucks have been allowed to enter Gaza, but aid groups state at least 100 trucks are needed daily. Hospitals are full to the brim with over 37,000 people with noncommunicable diseases, over 4,600 pregnant women and around 380 postnatal cases requiring medical attention. Hospitals are almost out of medicine and fuel to run generators, and the World Health Organization (WHO) is warning of the increased risk of outbreaks of cholera and other infectious diseases. Fuel is urgently needed to operate water purification plants in Gaza to ensure access to potable water which is already in short supply.

“Meanwhile, many Israelis impacted by the terror attack are sitting Shiva for their loved ones. Civilians are still threatened with sustained rocket fire from Hamas. Jewish communities around the world are in shock, grieving, and scared of the increased antisemitism and violence that have been spurred by the war. Families of hostages are stuck in a horrifying limbo of pain and unknowing. The Jewish world is small enough that almost everyone knows someone directly impacted by the violence.

“The human cost of this war is staggering. It is time the US and its allies help facilitate a humanitarian pause in fighting to allow additional food, water, medicine, fuel, and other aid into Gaza. Hamas must immediately and unconditionally release all hostages. Israel must take all possible measures to avoid further harming civilians. A wider regional conflict must be prevented. Hamas can and must be stopped to ensure long-term peace in the region, but, at this time, a humanitarian pause is critical to preventing unprecedented disaster and human suffering in Gaza, Israel, and around the world."

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